Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the difficulties encountered in the performance and management of duties by 14 working cancer patients receiving first chemotherapy. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires to interview at the start of chemotherapy, and after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month. Collected data were analyzed to extract responses concerning difficulties and management, further categorizing them according to similarities in semantic content.
There were 7 categories of difficulties encountered at the commencement of chemotherapy, e.g., “I am worried whether I will be physically able to perform my duties”, “I do not know what impact the illness and chemotherapy will have on my duties”. Regarding newly revealed difficulties, there were 6 categories identified after the 1st month, e.g., “Although I want to continue performing my duties, I am unable to”, “I do not know how to relate to other people”. Three categories were revealed after the 2nd month, e.g., “performing my duties and receiving chemotherapy simultaneously is difficult”, “I have difficulty in coping with side effects”, and 1 identified after the 3rd month, e.g., “it is difficult to relate to others”. For management difficulties, 11 categories were revealed at the commencement of the chemotherapy, e.g., “do not think too much”, “involve others”. Regarding newly identified categories, there were 5 categories after the 1st month, e.g., “remain positive when receiving chemotherapy”, 3 categories after the 2nd month, e.g., “I try to discharge my duties as much as I can”, and 2 categories after the 3rd month, e.g., “express my intentions in an assertive manner”.
It was demonstrated that working cancer patients attempted to make positive efforts, both physically as well as psychologically, by monitoring their physical condition and making use of support provided by other people;this in spite of being concerned about their physical strength, having difficulties in interacting with others, as well as being uncertain about possible implications of the illness and chemotherapy. For patients to be proactive in receiving chemotherapy by combining their social roles with those of patients, it is necessary for them to have certain foresight and deal with side effects of self care, thereby enabling them to interact with other people in a positive and assertive manner.
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